July 26, 2009 (Val-d’Or, QC) – Austrian Marco Haller, now a familiar name at Abitibi, used all of his resources and strength in the last few meters to solidly plant himself at the head of the pack and capture his fourth victory of the tour. Winner of the third bonus sprint of this stage, Haller retains his title as overall points leader, which he has had since stage two.

Towards the end of the race, two crashes involving several cyclists changed the final outcome. The pack rode a tight and speedy race until the very last lap, when everything changed. Fifteen riders were involved in a crash 6km from the finish line, a scenario that was repeated 4km later. As a result, the riders finished the course in successive waves, many of them visibly disappointed by the turn of events.

At the end of this incredible race, two Americans from regional teams were able to position themselves immediately behind Haller. Juan Carmona of Team Young Medalists and Zack Stein of ISCorp Junior Cycling finished second and third, respectively.

The riders maintained a quick pace throughout the race, the first ones finishing with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes and 38 seconds. They reacted instantly to any breakaway attempts along the 99.2km course. Two Canadians were among the few to pull away from the pack long enough to win a bonus sprint.

Finally, young regional riders from Abitibi fared well again. Team Canada rider Pierrick Naud finished eighth, while Team Quebec riders Jean-Samuel Deshaies and Jordan Brochu settled for ninth and eleventh positions.

The final stage of the 41st edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi will be held on Sunday. The riders will leave Senneterre to cross the finish line for the last time in Val-d’Or, 110.6km later, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Brown jersey (first individual classment):
Andrew Barker (USA National Team)

Orange jersey (points leader):
Marco Haller (Austria)

Blue jersey (first year best junior):
Anders Newbury (Baraboo Shark)

Stage 6 full results here.
GC after Stage 6 here.

Results

1. Marco Haller (Autriche) 2:18:38
2. Juan Carmona (Young Medalist)
3. Zack Stein (ISCorp Junior Cycling)
4. Ian Moir (South Eastern Regional)
5. Ty Magner (Florida Velo Development)
6. Tomohiro Kinoshita (Japon)
7. Mikael Bilodeau (Espoir Saputo)
8. Pierrick Naud (Canada)
9. Jean-Samuel Deshaies (Équipe du Québec)
10. Charlie Avis (USA National Team)

GC after Stage 6

1. Andrew Barker (USA National Team) 11:15:27
2. Charlie Avis (USA National Team) 0:04
3. Taylor Gunman (Nouvelle-Zélande-BikeNZ) 0:22
4. Anders Newbury (Baraboo Sharks) 0:24
5. Antoine Duchesne (Canada) 0:32
6. Stuart Wight (Canada) 0:39
7. Jordan Brochu (Équipe Québec) 1:29
8. Nicolas-Amstrup Madsen (Danemark) 1:31
9. Ryan Aitcheson (Canada) 1:52
10. Ty Magner (Florida Vélo Development) 2:03